Only three months after being revealed internationally, the refreshed BMW 1-Series range has been detailed for Australia, with more equipment now standard across the entire 1-Series range for the 2018 model year.
BMW Australia have taken the opportunity to refresh the 1-Series range and also alter pricing – the entry level 118i has climbed by $2,000 to $39,990, yet the performance M140i has dropped by $5,000 to $59,990, which is a relative bargain for the performance on offer.
“The BMW 1 Series remains a unique proposition in its segment, with rear-wheel drive dynamics in the best BMW tradition,” said BMW Group Australia CEO, Marc Werner.
“From the acclaimed BMW M140i to the engaging 118i, all new 1 Series come with key technology updates and a refreshed look, both inside and outside the vehicle.
“BMW Australia is especially proud of the sharpened price point for the turbocharged six-cylinder M140i, bringing its superb performance and dynamics under $60,000 for the first time,” he said.
Headlining the changes to the local 1-Series range are new interior trimmings, aimed at making the car the standardisation of BMW’s latest iDrive 6 infotainment system, which adds touch capacity on 125i and M140i variants. The interior of all 1-Series variants include a smooth high-gloss black centre stack, cleaner design elements with smoother joins, new upholstery stitching and distinctive chrome elements for the electric window controls.
The exterior of the 1-Series has been massaged with subtle styling changes. LED headlights now standard across the range, with adaptive LED lights that can alter their beam to block out certain objects being standard on the M140i.
There are also new wheel options, with the 120i Urban Line receiving a new 17-inch design. M-Sport cars also get two new 18-inch wheel choices, and there are now new exterior and interior choices, including a new hero colour dubbed Sunset Orange.
The local 1-Series lineup remains unchanged, with the 118i and 118d sitting at the bottom, the 120i and 125i in the middle and the M140i at the top. The 118i continues to use a 100kW/220Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine shared with the Mini Cooper and the 118d with a 110kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel. Acceleration to 100km/h for the 118i is claimed as 8.7 seconds, with the 118d slightly quicker at 8.1 seconds.
120i and 125i variants use a 2.0-litre turbo petrol, with 135kW/270Nm and 165kW/310Nm respectively, with the M140i using a strong 250kW/500Nm turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine. 0-100km/h is claimed as 7.1 seconds for the 120i, 6.1 seconds for the 125i and 4.6 seconds for the M140i. BMW 1-Series fuel consumption ranges from just 3.8L/100km for the 120d, to 7.1L/100km for the M140i. CO2 ranges from 99g/km for the 120d to 163g/km for the M140i.
Standard equipment highlights for the local BMW 1-Series range include the Sport Line package with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an eight-speed automatic, automatic single-zone climate control, iDrive 6 with satellite navigation, a rear-view camera and DAB+ digital radio capability, sports cloth front seats and a sports steering wheel, speed limit information and rain-sensing wipers.
120i variants add the Urban Line package with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED front foglamps, front and rear parking sensors, Dakota leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.
125i variants add the M-Sport package 18-inch alloy wheels and M-Sport suspension, auto-dimming and auto-folding exterior mirrors, M-Sport brakes, an upgraded navigation system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen, cloth/alcantara upholstery, and M leather steering wheel and an anthracite roofliner.
Finally, M140i variants add Jet Black 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive M suspension, adaptive LED headlights, keyless entry and start, Dakota leather upholstery, electric front seats and a harman/kardon sound system.
Option packages for the 1-Series range include the Innovations Package ($1,800 for non-M140i variants), which includes the larger navigation screen, enhanced smartphone connectivity, BMW’s ConnectedDrive Concierge Service and for 120i variants, an upgraded sound system.
The Driver’s Assistance Package ($1,800 for 118i and 118d, $1,400 for 120i and $1,000 for 125i) includes automatic high beam headlights, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, parking assistance as well as front and rear parking sensors and auto-dimming and auto-folding mirrors.
Finally, the Comfort Package ($2,100 for non-M140i variants) includes keyless entry and start, electric front seat adjustment with memory functionality, front seat lumbar adjustment and heated front seats.
2017 BMW 1-Series Australian pricing (plus on-road costs):
118i – $39,990
118d – $43,990
120i – $45,990
125i – $49,990
M140i – $59,990
Option packages:
Innovations Package – $1,800
Driver’s Assistance Package – $1,800 (118i/118d)/$1,400 (120i)/$1,000 (125i)
Comfort Package – $2,100
The refreshed BMW 1-Series lineup arrives in local showrooms in September.
